NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
The Director of Ports has responded to our query concerning the amount of money paid by the MOD for the use of Ronaldsway Airport.
Ann Reynolds says the figure is approx £20,000 (or just over) the figure apparently was difficult to assess because usage is now apparently invoiced separately whereas when we enquired almost two decades ago we were told an annual figure of about £40,000 was paid. Perhaps usage frequency has declined.
The RAF mainly uses the airport for simulating approaches and take-offs without the aircraft actually touching down. RAF Hawk trainers from Valley in Anglesey often use the facility as do larger types such as Hercules transport aircraft.
It seems the MOD are getting a pretty good deal for airport usage and one wonders given that the UK Exchequers’ approach to the Island has hardened on late (particularly in respect of VAT receipts) if its not a good time to revise the charges.
The comparative isolation of the IOM airport and low user frequency make it a good place to train. It certainly seems that way in any case as the RAF have been utilising this facility now for four decades!
We are grateful to Ms Reynolds and her staff for supplying this information. A link to our original query can be found here:
https://www.celticleague.net/news/mann-what-are-the-mod-paying-doi-asked/
BERNARD MOFFATT
Issued by: The Celtic News
02/10/15
THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE
The Celtic League established in 1961 has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It promotes cooperation between the countries and campaigns on a range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, military activity and socio-economic issues
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